Concerns over children's safety raised in new report on Avoch Primary Early Learning and Child Care
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CHILDREN were put at risk of harm at a Black Isle nursery according to a report published earlier this week.
The Care Inspectorate's inspectors raised "significant concerns" as children attending Avoch Primary Early Learning and Child Care were able to exit the setting unobserved through the entrance door, with insufficient measures put in place by management to reduce the potential of children coming to harm.
In the report, three elements of the service at the Station Road centre – setting, leadership and staff team – were rated as "weak" and the care, play and learning was evaluated as "adequate".
Staff deployment was also highlighted as an issue as well as concerns over hygiene practices and handwashing.
It stated: "Consideration had not been given to the balance of skills, knowledge and understanding throughout the setting when temporary staff were being used. Temporary staff were supervising a large number of children in one of the outdoor spaces, with limited support from other staff
members.
"Consideration had not been given to the balance of skills, knowledge and understanding throughout the setting when temporary staff were being used. Temporary staff were supervising a large number of children in one of the outdoor spaces, with limited support from other staff members."
The Care Inspectorate states that the provider must ensure children are safe and effectively supervised at all times with a deadline set for October 6 this year.
The provider must also "develop and implement an effective system of quality assurance to monitor and improve practice" to ensure children's safety and improve their experience.
However, the report also highlighted the positive experience children had with caring staff and in a "warm, nurturing environment".
The report stated: "Staff were caring and nurturing in their interactions with children. Most staff knew children well and knew how to support them with their individual needs.
"Parents commented 'The staff are all so caring and welcoming 'and 'the staff are really friendly and good with the children'.
"Staff had developed positive and supportive relationships with children and their families. One parent told us: 'Staff really make the effort to get to know the children' This supported children to feel valued and secure within the setting."
Inspectors also stated that the management team had a positive approach to improvement.
They said they had used feedback from the previous inspections as well as other professionals and parents to develop a focused improvement plan.
"Significant improvements had been made to the indoor environment and mealtime experiences for children. Children's views had been considered when making improvements to the indoor environment, contributing to children having a voice in the design of the setting."
The full report is available at the Care Inspectorate's website.
